How-to: Install a voltmeter

[blaine]

You are right,if voltage stayed that low for any length of time.My voltage goes that low every time I idle with brake & siginal light on headlight on hi.As soon as I start moving voltage comes back to 13.5.Always was like that,never fails to start.Had the same battery for 3 years.I also run small set of driving lights.Even though battery getting old I have never had any problems.Not trying to start a argument just stating facts.Is it not normal for charging system to act this way?

[Easy Rider]

Originally Posted by blaine

Is it not normal for charging system to act this way?

Yes and no.
It is NOT normal to have the system voltage drop that low......ever.....except when the starter is running.

Then it depends..........
On exactly how your voltmeter is connected. If it is not direct to the battery and the wire is on the thin side, you might not be reading true battery voltage.

Your idle speed might be a tad too low. It might take just a little tweek to get it out of the red.

With your extra lights and your history, what you are seeing might be "normal" but it would make me a little nervous.

How often do you use a battery "tender', if ever.

[blaine]

My voltmeter is connected to a hot wire as per instructions,you have me thinking probably not reading correct voltage.Only use 'batterytender' when bike is in storage.Thanks for your input.

[Easy Rider]

Originally Posted by blaine

My voltmeter is connected to a hot wire as per instructions,you have me thinking probably not reading correct voltage.

That's what I was thinking. More likely if it is a headlight wire, as the voltage at the headlight is often a few tenths below battery level.

[blaine]

IT is a headlight wire. THANKS!!!

[Water Warrior 2]

Originally Posted by blaine

Is it not normal for charging system to act this way?

Sounds like what I would expect from most bikes. We don't get the alternators like cages do and the stators in bikes are not near as efficient or sophisticated. Stators work with RPM and lots of it.

[blaine]

Thats what I thought as it's never gave me any problems starting.Even though its running a set of small driving lites,20 watts each.

[Water Warrior 2]

Blaine, you are probably near the limit with 2-20 watt driving lights added on to the bike. On the GZ Lynda rode there was an extra 35/40watts power draw and we never had a problem.

[blaine]

Thanks WW,Not planing on adding any more lights as I knew I was getting close to limit.These little 2 inch lights are realy bright.